CWEP Honored With National Award For Reliable Electric Operations

CWEP Honored With National Award For Reliable Electric Operations

Carthage, Mo., April 9th, 2026 – Carthage Water & Electric Plant (CWEP) has once again been recognized as one of the nation’s top-performing publicly owned utilities, earning the Diamond Level Reliable Public Power Provider (RP3®) designation from the American Public Power Association (APPA).

The Diamond Level is the highest honor awarded through APPA’s RP3 program and recognizes utilities that demonstrate excellence in reliability, safety, workforce development, and system improvement.

The RP3 designation, awarded for a three-year period, reflects a utility-wide commitment to sound business practices and the safe, reliable delivery of electricity. Utilities earning this distinction undergo a rigorous application and review process that evaluates operations, policies, and overall performance. Out of more than 2,000 public power utilities nation-wide, only 250 currently hold the RP3 designation. 

“Earning the RP3 Diamond designation again is a tremendous honor for CWEP,” said Chuck Bryant, General Manager of CWEP. “This recognition highlights the dedication of our entire team, from our Board of Directors to every employee, who work every day to provide safe, reliable, and affordable services to our community. Carthage is an incredible community, and we’re proud to serve our friends and neighbors.”

Receiving an RP3 designation is a great honor and a testament to the work these utilities are doing to follow industry best practices," said Jeremy Ash, Chair of APPA's RP3 Review Panel and General Manager at Kansas City Board of Public Utilities, Kansas. "These designees have distinguished themselves as committed to pursuing excellence and perpetual improvement for the benefit of their communities."

The RP3 designation is a national recognition awarded by APPA and has been offered now for 21 years. APPA is the voice of not-for-profit, community-owned utilities that power more than 2,000 towns and cities across the country.

As a locally owned and operated public power utility, CWEP remains committed to delivering reliable, affordable services while continuing to invest in infrastructure, safety, and innovation to serve the Carthage community today and into the future.